BJP MP Kangana Ranaut commended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget 2026 for the ninth consecutive time, describing it as “wholesome” and particularly beneficial for women. Ranaut, Lok Sabha MP from Mandi, highlighted the government’s innovative approach towards promoting tourism in Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast, which she termed as a “revolutionary thought.” She expressed her satisfaction with the budget’s provisions, especially noting the inclusion of hostels in every district and the emphasis on Ayurveda and Yoga as cultural treasures.
Ranaut further praised the budget’s focus on tourism, particularly in the Northeast and hill states like Himachal Pradesh. She appreciated the structured promotion of activities such as hiking and trekking, considering it a significant step forward. Ranaut lauded the overall presentation of the budget, acknowledging its thoughtful coverage of various aspects, including agriculture and regional products like nuts prevalent in Himachal. She extended her gratitude to the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Union Finance Minister for their efforts.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop ecologically sustainable railway infrastructure and hiking trails in major hill stations. She also revealed intentions to introduce mountain trains in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. Sitharaman proposed a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in multiple North-East states during the Budget 2026-27 presentation, emphasizing the region’s cultural significance and connectivity initiatives. The scheme aims to boost tourism and connectivity in states like Sikkim, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 recently underscored the tourism sector’s role in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the Ministry of Tourism, travel and tourism contributed 5.22% to GDP in FY24, nearing pre-pandemic levels. However, the survey cautioned that realizing the sector’s full potential and translating it into sustained economic outcomes hinges on implementation capacity at the State and local levels.
